Panthers aim to emulate Blackhawks

Reigning champs maximize talent with intensity, confidence

CORAL SPRINGS — Kris Versteeg hasn't paid close attention to the team he helped win a Stanley Cup since leaving Chicago four seasons ago.

But the Panthers forward has a good idea of what to expect when the Blackhawks visit the BB&T Center Tuesday night.

"You kind of know every night what kind of game you're going to get from them. They've played pretty much the same way the last 4 1/2 years," said Versteeg, now three teams removed from that 2009-10 championship.

The Blackhawks won the Cup again this past season, so they are the gold standard the Panthers are striving for under the same architect, General Manager Dale Tallon, who put many of the championship pieces in place in Chicago. Asked what the Panthers need to get there, Versteeg smiled and recited the various methods of acquiring premium players.

But aside from a disparity in seasoned talent, the Blackhawks have a vital cohesiveness that has eluded the Panthers during a sputtering 3-6 start.

"They have a consistent level of play because there are a lot of guys that have been there for a long time. These guys have played as linemates and teammates consistently every night for the last five, six, seven years. So they know where they are on the ice, they understand their roles," Versteeg said.

Coach Kevin Dineen is still trying to determine which players he can trust with games on the line. A spirited defensive effort enabled the Panthers to snap a three-game skid in Saturday's shootout win over Minnesota. But that type of performance has been fleeting and scoring remains problematic.

Meanwhile, the 5-1-2 Blackhawks are coming off what coach Joel Quenneville said was their most complete outing in Saturday's 3-1 win over Toronto.

"There's a level of confidence that has come with success there," Dineen said. "They play like a team and they play hard every night. There's been no [championship] hangover. You watch their games, and the same things that I saw that made them successful in June are also working for them right now."

Bergy back

Rehabbing forward Sean Bergenheim returned to practice Monday after several sessions with his physical therapist in Toronto. He participated in five-on-five. But Bergenheim has not been cleared to play and will not be activated Tuesday, Dineen said.

Bergenheim, who has not suited up for the Panthers since the playoffs in 2012, had surgeries on his groin/hip and abdomen in March, which he said, "make me feel so much better that I [feel I] can be a far better player than I was."

As to when he may be ready to play, he said, "I think it's sooner rather than later. I'm definitely much closer than I was before Toronto."

No comment

Tallon declined to address a report in the Ottawa Sun that the Panthers' new ownership is unhappy with the team's start and prepared to move any of its veteran players.

It would seem premature to panic three weeks into the season and only four points out of a top-eight spot in the conference. Also a bit early for teams to be shopping for veteran help to bolster playoff hopes; the trade deadline is not until March 5.

Minority owner Doug Cifu watched Monday's practice with Tallon along with Travis Viola, vice president of hockey operations and son of principal owner Vinnie Viola.

Vote of confidence

While several Panthers saw their ice time reduced in the third period of Saturday's win, rookie center Nick Bjugstad got seven of his 15 shifts in the final period and another in overtime.

"Confidence, responsible play and youthful enthusiasm," Dineen said. "It's a mixture of all of those, and responsibility on his faceoffs — understanding what we're looking for him to do on both sides of the puck, on offense and defense."

Notably for the Minneapolis native, who won six of nine faceoffs, it came in his first game against his hometown Wild.

"It was enjoyable for me to play them. I kind of looked up to those guys growing up," said Bjugstad, who missed training camp with a concussion. "Obviously, being out that long it's a little tough for your wind. But I'm getting back into it, feeling good."